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How do you implement your vision and values throughout your company? By hiring and promoting the correct management team who share and can implement your vision and values.

Kraft found the people who would give his brand credibility and the people who would best implement his vision.  Kraft also let go the people who didn’t fit his vision.  It started with Bill Parcells.  Parcells is a Hall of Fame coach who brought instant credibility to the organization.  Parcells began implementing Kraft’s vision of the Patriots being looked at as the hardest working football organization in the NFL.  After Parcells, Kraft hired Pete Carroll.  Carroll did not live up to “the Patriot way” and after 4 seasons Kraft recognized the misstep and let go of Carroll. This opened the door for Kraft’s most successful hire, Bill Belichick.  Belichick is considered a lock for the Hall of Fame, but not so when Kraft hired him.

When Kraft hired Belichick, Kraft was widely criticized.  Belichick’s only other head coaching experience was in Cleveland and it was a disaster ending with Belichick being fired.  Kraft looked beyond this, had confidence that Belichick would learn from his experience in Cleveland and named Belichick head coach in 2000.  Belichick’s success on the field is well known, but off the field, from a brand/business standpoint, Belichick’s role has been equally important.

Belichick’s philosophy of “just do your job” mirror’s Kraft’s vision of the Patriots being the hardest working organization in the NFL.  Even more important is Kraft has given Belichick the authority to run the team and the organization on a day to day basis.  In other words, Kraft does not micro-manage, he hires the right people for the right jobs and then lets them do their jobs.

Let’s translate this to your business.  First, what is your vision for your business?  What do you want people to think when they hear your company’s name?  This first step is critical, without it is like trying to drive a car without a steering wheel.  This is an area that I spend a good amount of time on with clients because a clear vision will help guide your strategic decisions. 

Second, hire leaders who embrace your vision and will take your company to the next level.  I know, I know, simpler said than done. Two ways to find leaders is through internal promotions or external hiring.

The Patriots hired externally, first with Parcells.  This is one possibility for your business, hire someone who is a well respected in your industry and adds value through his or her reputation.  However, if this person is not a fit, you should act quickly and make a change. 

Another avenue is to promote from within.    Some businesses prefer this route because you can train employees on how your business operates and develop them into leaders.  Belichick prefers this method.  He promotes coaches up the ranks because those coaches have been trained on how to do things “the Patriot way”.

Both methods are effective, just be thorough in your hiring process and hire the person who is the best fit for your organization.

Next segment on Employees will be available on Monday 4/25

Tim Kaelin - ProfitDriver